Parent Movie Reviewby Kerry Bennett

Jimmy Neutron (voice by Debi Derryberry) is a boy genius with more nifty inventions in his bedroom than the average young Einstein. Along with a push-button bed maker, a virtual toothbrush and an automatic hair styling device, he has a whole underground lab of clever contraptions. Using his high-powered computer, he can scan the heavens for life forms and hone in on far off galaxies.

But while the pint-sized whiz kid has a handle on thermodynamics and jet propulsion, he’s way out to lunch in the “cool” department. His parents (voices of Megan Cavanagh and Mark DeCarlo) may tolerate his roof wrecking adventures, but the wonder brain gets no respect from his fellow classmates who refer to him as the neighborhood “nerdtron” until aliens abduct all their parents. Then they turn to Jimmy to save the day. Modifying some amusement park rides, the young inventor and his peers mount a full-scale attack on the badly behaved King Goobot (voice by Patrick Stewart) and his bumbling assistant, Ooblar (voice by Martin Short).

Nickelodeon Movies and O Entertainment have joined efforts in this computer-generated adventure aimed at young moviegoers. Although the graphics may be engaging, the storyline reads like an extended Saturday morning cartoon. Crashing and banging his way from one adventure to the next, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius has plenty of animated violence between children and aliens, schoolyard name-calling and pre-adolescent bantering. The gooey green space invaders with zapping spears, mind-altering headgear, and sacrificial intentions may also be disturbing for young children.

Parents of music-savvy minors may find themselves heading out to buy this film’s energetic soundtrack showcasing artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and ‘N Sync. But be forewarned, along with the upbeat tunes cheering on Jimmy Neutron and the “kids in America,” there’s some “parents just don’t understand” lyrics happening here.

Following a night of unchecked indulgences, Jimmy and his peers discover that being parentless isn’t all it’s cracked up to be…a worthwhile tidbit compared with many other “children-know-best” movies. But after mixing these positive protons with just as many negative neutrons, Jimmy left me in neutral.

About author

Kerry Bennett is interested in media from both a journalist and parent perspective. Along with authoring articles for several family-oriented publications, she has written for Parent Previews for over 15 years. As a parent herself, she believes parents play a powerful role in teaching media literacy in their homes.

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius Parents' Guide

Nick says what “parents don’t know, won’t hurt them”. Is it dangerous to keep secrets or information from parents? What kind of things should you share with your parents?

What do you think was Jimmy’s best invention? (I personally like the automatic bed maker.) What would you like to be able to invent?

For games and activities based on the movie, go to the movie’s official website: www.jimmyneutron.com

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius movie is July 1, 2002. Here are some details…

Related home video titles:

Other computer-animated classics include A Bug’s Life, and Toy Story 1 and 2.Harriet The Spy is a non-animated Nickelodeon adventure about an “uncool” girl with an insatiable curiosity. And Spy Kids is another film we’ve reviewed that has children saving the day (and their parents).